Munkey Biz Issue 11

MUNKEY BIZ

ISSUE #11

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Happy Munkey Podcast

Tune in every Monday at 4:20PM EST for the latest episodes of the Happy Munkey Podcast! This month Vlad & Ramon have many illustrious guests you don’t want to

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The Happy CannaDate

We are less than 35 days away from the election in November! Please register to vote! Please vote early if you can, Vote like your future depends on it, because it truly does!

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Strain Of The Month

The start of a new month means new “Strain Of The Month!”

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Latinxs En Cannabis

For the end of Latinx Heritage month we highlight some extraordinaire Latinx individuals moving & shaking in the cannabis industry!

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Munkey Talk With Maria Hinojosa

Sit down with us as we kick it with NPR trailblazer and Latina Boss Lady Maria Hinojosa!

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Note From The Editor

High Happy Munkey Fam & Happy Spooky Season!

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Kicks 4 Da Kulture

This month we get spookishly stylish looking at the best Halloween inspired kicks ever released!

Cannabis Harvest Season

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Tune in and get realigned with the folks from Sanna CBD, and get informed on the spirtitual nature of Harvest Season and “CropTober”

Blunt Walk With Rafael

Spark a blunt and take a stroll with Happy Munkey’s Rafael as he hits the road with his Brother David!

As the days continue to get shorter and the trees turn from green to vibrant oranges and reds, the ending of the 2020 definitely has some fights left in store for us. This past month Happy Munkey celebrated our 3 year anniversary and dropped a bunch of new Happy Munkey Goodies, including our first ever Happy Munkey T-Shirts, limited to only 150 pieces! I want to say thank you again to everyone who has been supporting us and riding with the Happy Munkey Tribe.

In this issue we get right into it with the “October Strain of the Month” cultivated by our friends at Pistol Point, we then celebrate Latinx Heritage month with the second volume of “Latinx En Cannabis”, Later we cure the munchies with some Bacon Fat Peanut Butter cookies, gearing up for the scary the 2020 election has been we check in with Stu Zakim for an installment of “The Happy Cannadate”, we then get spookishly stylish with Jose Rozay for October’s edition of “Kicks for the Kultue”, and sooo much more! In addition to all the amazing written pieces submitted, As you flip through the pages definitely enjoy the amazing art spreads and new Happy Munkey clothing shots!

Please make sure to register to vote and please figure out your voting plans for Tuesday November 3rd! Happy Halloween, We hope you have a safe and smoky Spooky SZN!

-David H.

THE HAPPY MUNKEY PODCAST THE HAPPY MUNKEY PODCAST

Check out the latest episodes of the Happy Munkey Podcast every Monday at 4:20 PM EST! This month on the boulevard Ramon and Vlad touch base with superwoman and co-founder of Futuro Media Group Maria Hinojosa, Boss Lady BunnyMightGameU, The Grow Father Himself George Martorano, and many more! So spark a joint and enjoy, you never know who you will see on the next Happy Munkey Podcast!

CANNABINOID OF THE MONTH

Delta (∆) 8-THC

What is Delta 8?

Delta (∆) 8-THC exists in the cannabis plant alongside other molecules like CBG, CBN, and various aromatic terpenes. Delta-8 THC is more stable than Delta-9 THC, but less potent. Delta 8-THC has been growing in popularity for its touted array of benefits similar to our well-known friend Delta 9-THC, but with less intense side effects.Could it be that we have found a molecule with all the good of Delta 9-THC and less potential for the paranoia or anxiety that can come from getting too high?`

Potential Medical Value

Some known effects of Delta 8 are stimulating appetite and abetting pain and inflammation. Delta 8 has also been shown to eliminate nausea in cancer patients, and increasing appetite in a mouse model! Also found in...

Delta 8- THC does not exist naturally in large quantities in the plant, so it must be extracted from the plant or synthesized. You can find it on the market in edible gummies, vape pens, and extracts from different strains

Welcome Back Happy Munkey Fam! This month we got a special treat from our friends and Happy Munkey family over in Oregon. The strain of October is nothing but the sweet and seductive Vino cultivated by Pistil Point Cannabis! This magical strain stems from Old Family Purple & Merlot OG, and is without question a heavy hitter. The buds themselves are hefy, thick nugs encrusted with snow white kief and deep purples breaking the surface. Once you open the bag the aroma fills up the room with a frothy savory smell reminiscent of skunk, but with more of a pungent sweet berry punch. The high is also nothing to play with! After only a few puffs the high hits fast and heavy, and perfect for any of y’all out there looking for that night night indica body vibe.

To honor the gas Vino undoubtedly is, for the taste test I decided to pair the Vino with the famous Wagu Chuck blend burgers made by Gotham Burger Social Club. Before we indulged in the burgers I broke down a big nug into the Happy Munkey Grinder and was in awe of the smell Vino made while being crushed. Nodes of berries, gas, and little funk hit me like a train. When I opened the grinder a ray of light bounced out with the sea of bright greens and purples. I rolled the entire grinder pack into one cannon fit for the to demolish. I lit the bad boy up and after only a few drags I could being lifted. Before I knew it I was in a trance and almost for freshly made Wagu Burgers waiting for me! All in all If looking for a flower to take you on the border of being “Highschool high”, look no further than grabbing yourself some Vino!

MONTHLY ACCOUNTING & TAX ADVICE

by MCA ACCOUNTING SOLUTIONS MYCANNABISACCOUNTANT.COM

How do you know if you have enough?

Being that it is October and Halloween is quickly approaching…

Running a dispensary is a lot like trick-or- treating… Ok, I know it is a little far-fetched but hear me out for a second…

You never want to run out of candy for your trick or treaters but you want just enough to not have a pile of left over candy…Similar to running a dispensary, you don’t want to run out of inventory for your customers, or end up with a bunch of extra inventory that may be unsellable at full retail price due to age. In essence, the principle is the same, supply and demand. How many kids typi- cally visit each year? How much candy do I need to not run out but not over buy?

Let us apply this to a dispensary scenario…

IA lot of dispensaries will purchase flower in bulk and then separate into individual quantities to be ready for quick purchase by a consumer. The typical units these are broken down into are grams, eighths, quarters, halves, and full ounces. This leads to the ultimate question of how do I allo- cate these quantities to be most beneficial for sales to meet the demand, while at the same time not have overstock that is just sitting there at the end of the month liter- ally drying up?

How your cannabis accountant helps:

1. We will pull reports from your POS (point-of-sale) system and run a detailed analysis on the most recent and prior twelve months of sales across all categories

2. From running these different reports and analyses we can advise you on the best way to allocate quantities of flower to be ready for quick sale based on cus- tomer demand and historical sales data

3. We can also tell you based on prior sales of other products such as edibles or oils, how much of each amount you roughly should keep on hand to best meet customer demand

With trick-or-treaters, it is a little bit easier… all you need to do is look around your neighborhood and count the houses and kids. At a dispensary this can get a bit more complicated. This is where an experienced cannabis accountant can help. Yes, your accountant should be able to help you in this area!

Unlike the Halloween night scenario, you do not get to just put all used inventory into a big bag and enjoy over the next 2 months (though that would be fun). In the cannabis business, old inventory will need to be sold off at a discount as flower, oils and concentrates have a certain shelf life before their potency and overall quality begin to decline. Even edibles get old over time… Therefore, having proper pro- fessional assistance and planning tools in place for your dispensary are so important when making inventory purchase and even allocation decisions like the flower example above.

Cannascopes

LIBRA: Sour Chem

Happy Birthday, my lovely scales. Your focus for stability will come from a mixture of perseverance & love. Don’t be afraid of love, when it is a key to your success.

SCORPIO: Dutch Treat Haze

Things, recently, may have not gone your way or in your favor. Releasing desired outcomes & accepting that you have a greater duty to attend to will bring your life back on track.

SAGITTARIUS: Wabanaki

Honesty (towards others & yourself) & paying close attention to your health are key elements this month in order to have a peace of mind.

CAPRICORN: Qrazy Train

Focus on correctly putting blame on actions you took & were in control of. Denial will only keep you from finding balance within all relationships.

AQUARIUS: Critical Cure

Your wishes seem to be near, but they’re stalled. Owning up to having fault in past outcomes, due to being impatient, may right some wrongs. Let go of time expectations, & watch the blessings flow right in.

PISCES: Bubba’s Gift

When dealing with any partnerships, you are urged to let go of your fears on having a specific outcome. In order to receive desired results, you have to be able to be your true free-spirited self with everyone!

October 2020

ARIES: Mickey Kush

Balance shall return to your life once you lose the fear of being hurt again. Forgiveness is key, not only to others, but to yourself 1st. Sometimes you’re not at fault for the outcomes, but how you react & handle things can add more to it or help mend it.

TAURUS: Seattle Cough

Discovering some hidden truths, whether about yourself & /or others may have you in fear. Surrender to whatever you lost out on or did not receive. Don’t fret on starting over, no matter how far you got before. Your determination will take you much further than before.success.

GEMINI: Critical Sensi Star

Hey, Hey, Hey, Twins! You will continue to block your blessings if you don’t Trust yourself nor the process. No matter how bad it gets, over analyzing things will only set you back some more.success.

CANCER: Strawberry Satori

No one likes to fail. By focusing on the parts that didn’t work or go your way, you bypass how you creatively can turn that no into a yes. Do you pay attention to the lessons, in order to not keep on failing or are you too consumed by losses?

LEO: Full Moon

Strength & disciplinary actions will bring you peace. Taking on life’s challenges, or even your own desires, with courage & love will give you the balance you need to conquer your world.success.

VIRGO: Tokyo OG

After all the hard planning you went through during your season, you have to now balance by focusing on you & your health. Whether doing check-ups, eating healthier, exercising, writing, yoga -- anything you can do to cater to yourself. Hard workers need pampering too.success.

Chef Sebastian Carosi Presents:

Cannabis Bacon Fat Peanut Butter Cookies

Over the years I have infused cannabinoids into a tremendous amount of things, from high octane alcohols, to MCT oil, grapeseed oil, hemp seed oil, creamery butter, coconut oil, and extra virgin olive oil. But the most exciting of all the fats I have use to help bind to all of the readily available cannabinoids in cannabis has got to be bacon fat. Preferably rendered from heritage bread pork belly smoked over applewood, or what other folks call bacon. I realize that 99% of the previously mentioned fats and oils are plant derived but according to an article I read in the June 1st 2016 issue of High Times Magazine, bacon fat is one of the top three fats to use when extracting the cannabinoids and terpenes found in cannabis. First off- I couldn’t be happier when I heard the results of the study on bacon fat and cannabinoids. Second off- I had no frickin’ idea that there was such a study. As a professional chef of over 25 years who has been proudly cooking with cannabis since the early 90’s, cannabis bacon fat only made sense. So over the years I have transformed this super simple, traditional peanut butter cookie recipe that has floated around the family cookie archives for decades to include a couple

1/2 cup cannabis bacon fat

1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter

1 cup dark brown sugar

1 tsp cannabis vanilla

1 large farm egg

1 1/2 cups AP flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1 tbsp jacobsen sea salt flakes

1/2 cup chopped salted peanuts

1 drop true terpenes beta caryophyllene

of full spectrum cannabis products that will help mellow situations and liven up the conversation at any event. (cannabis tends to do that) Do not skip the light sprinkle of sea salt flakes, it’s a palette pleasing addition.

**And just to help clear up any future questions that may appear in my in-box, duck fat works just as well.

Cannabis Bacon Fat Peanut Butter Cookies

Prep time: 15 minutes

Yield: About 24 cookies

Total thc/cbd: depends on potency of product

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Equipment Needed:

Stand mixer or handheld mixer, 2 stainless mixing bowls, measuring cups + spoons, rubber spatula, parchment lined baking sheet, spatula, wire rack

How To Make It

-Preheat an oven to 350°.

-In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a stainless bowl with an electric mixer, beat the bacon fat, peanut butter, peanuts and sugar until the mixture lightens in color and the mixture becomes creamy. (2 to 3 minutes)

-Add the egg and terpenes, keep beating until completely incorporated.

-In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt.

-Slowly add the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture, mixing until all of the ingredients are combined well.

-Roll the dough into balls about 1 inch round. place the cookie dough about 1 inch apart on a parchment lined baking sheet and gently press the top of each cookie dough ball with a fork dipped in

granulated sugar to make a crisscross pattern.

-Sprinkle the cookie tops with the sea salt flakes.

-Bake the cookies for 9 to 10 minutes, until barely browned around the edges. do not overbake the cookies. the cookies may appear slightly puffed, it’s all good, they are ok.

-Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

-Then carefully transfer the dank ‘n delicate cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before devouring.

The Happy CannaDate:

VOTE LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON It BECAUSE IT DOES!!

By Stu Zakim

Fellow Munkey fans, it’s hard to believe that by the time you read this, there will be only 30 days until November 3! As we’ve been telling you for months, between the Covid Virus, Unemployment, lack of additional government sponsored financial assistance, and now, the fight over who replaces RBG on the Supreme Court as well as the insanity of Donald Trump, this is the most important election of our lives.

And, while Cannabis legislation has slowed down, we see state Governor’s advocating for legalization to solve the tax shortages they find their state in from Covid, just as they recognized Cannabis dispensaries as vital businesses during the lockdown earlier this year. This evolution of government seeing the legal, whether medical or adult use, benefits generated by our industry, regardless of their motives, only helps legitimize what we’ve all been working hard for so long.

There are five states that have legalization of some sort on the ballot – Arizona, New Jersey, South Dakota, Montana and Mississippi – and as our Happy Munkey family has expanded virtually during the Pandemic, we now have a voice in these states and The Happy Munkey unequivocally ENDORSES the move in each of these states. And, while we also support all the Cannadates running

on November 3, we also trust you, our Munkey family, to vote for the person you think will make your lives better.

Additionally, there are many states that have proCannabis cannadates seeking local and national office that need our support to either get elected or re-elected. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey comes to mind immediately, but there are many others and we count on you to do your homework wherever you vote to make sure legalization becomes the way of your state and ultimately, the US. It’s our only tool to helping end not only prohibition, but the systemic racism, social injustice and inequity that have plagued Cannabis users and potential legitimate business people of all colors and races since the Nixon era.

Once again, we can’t change things if you don’t register (and that deadline is coming soon in a lot of states) and vote. We’ve been providing links to registration sites in our weekly newsletter. Let’s show the world the Cannabis community is a voting block to be reckoned with and catered to.

West Coast Wildfires Will Result In Increased Cannabis Prices

By Johnny Green

Multiple states on the West Coast endured horrific wildfires this summer, with some of those fires still raging. What many people have had to endure is nothing short of tragic. Unfortunately, the effects from the devastating fires will linger for years to come.

Entire communities in Washington, Oregon, and California were burned to the ground, displacing many families. Sadly, many people lost their lives during the wildfires.

Many cannabis community members were directly affected by the wildfires. Some owned or worked at farms that were burned in the wildfires, and others lived in communities that were affected. In some cases people were hit with a ruthless double whammy - losing their home and their cannabis farm.

It’s a truly heartbreaking situation. About the only silver- lining out of all of the bleakness was communities stepping up to help those affected by wildfires. People’s compassion for their families, friends, neighbors, and in some cases total strangers, was inspiring.

A number of industries will be significantly affected by the raging wildfires on the West Coast, and that includes the cannabis industry. It is no secret that states on the West Coast cultivate a large amount of cannabis under the sun, and many farms lost entire crops to the wildfires.

The crop loss is not just limited to farms that were burned. It also includes cannabis plants that were subjected to many days of dust and ash circulating through the air. The poor air quality on the West Coast was literally off the charts for a considerable amount of time, and that poor air resulted in a lot of harmful dust and ash building up on the surface of many

cannabis plants.

Every legal cannabis plant on the West Coast has to pass rigorous testing to ensure that it is not contaminated, and cannabis plants that were subjected to dust and ash will likely fail testing. All of that cannabis will have to be destroyed if it is determined to be unfit for human consumption. That could prove to be the case for literally millions of pounds of cannabis flower.

It is likely going to be the saddest ‘Croptober’ on record for the West Coast’s emerging legal cannabis industry. For those that are unaware, most outdoor cannabis harvesting on the West Coast occurs in October, so many veteran growers refer to October as Croptober. It’s a fun reference to what has historically been the best time of year for outdoor cultivators. Sadly, this Croptober will likely be anything but fun.

The extensive loss of outdoor cannabis crops will have a butterfly effect on the rest of the industry in Western states, and that will include prices. The basic economic principle of supply and demand will run its course, and with less supply prices will no doubt increase in the coming months. That goes for flower, and everything that flower is made into - edibles, topicals, concentrates, etc.

Fires are a consistently growing danger on the West Coast. Indoor cannabis cultivators may not have to fit wildfire season into their business plans, however, it’s going to be a mandatory inclusion for outdoor cultivators on the West Coast going forward unfortunately. Insurance companies are often reluctant to work with the cannabis industry, and the growing threat of wildfires is presumably not going to help that situation.

If you are a consumer on the West Coast brace yourself for increased prices this winter. Even though indoor cannabis gardens were not affected, so much of the supply in Western states comes from outdoor farms that price hikes are inevitable. Keep in mind that if you are feeling frustrated by the increased prices, just remember that it could be worse - you could have lost everything due to wildfires like many cannabis farmers did so keep things in perspective and show some empathy.

Munkey Movies:

HAnsel And Gretel Get Baked

BY James Wyche

Hello Happy Munkey Fam, hope everyone is staying high and safe during these crazy times. With fall basically on our doorsteps, it’s almost that time for Halloween and the activities that go with it. Unfortunately, we can’t gather for a Halloween party or the annual bar crawl but thankfully there are countless films to get you in that spooky mood. I think we can all name off some of the classic Halloween films that still have people locking their doors a little bit tighter at night. In my opinion, some of the best films are those that are on the path not taken. Also, there just aren’t many horror movies made for stoners, but luckily for y’all, I’ve found a film that checks several boxes. If you’ve ever wondered what if that classic fairy tale Hansel and Gretel was about weed then I have the movie for you with “Hansel and Gretel Get Baked”

doesn’t ring any bells it’s because he didn’t start in the film industry as a director. He’s mostly known for being a key grip for some wellknown films such as Men In Black and House Party. This is his second full-length film and stars Molly Quinn and Michael Welch. Quinn is known for acting in the tv series Castle, Winx Club, and acted in the film We’re The Millers. Welch has made numerous appearances on CSI and NCIS series as well he voiced characters for the animated series Filmore and House of Mouse. Rounding out the antagonist in this film is played by Lara Boyle; she’s most known for performing in Twin Peaks and was the main villain in Men in Black 2.

munchies. While Gretel makes a gingerbread house, Ashton rides to Pasadena to visit Agnes, the old lady on the block who happens to sell. While trying to purchase some more of the Black Forest Agnes messes with him and forces him to smoke with her. Ashton passes out after smoking a bowl of the Black Forest. When he awakens he’s bound to a steel table, with Agnes lingering over him. He thinks she’s into some weird stuff sexual and unwillingly goes along; when he says “Whatever you do I’m gonna close my eyes”. Agnes then takes a BBQ fork, stabs, and then eats his eye as Ashton wails in agony. As this is happening Gretel and Hansel are wondering where he is while they decorate some gingerbread men. Gretel eats a gingerbread man’s leg simultaneously as Agnes before she saws off Ashton’s leg and roasts it she says “I have the munchies”.

This film was originally released in 2013 by Duane Journey, if his name

The movie opens with Gretel and her boyfriend Ashton smoking the latest and greatest strain called Black Forest in a suburb in California. While enjoying their latest purchase, Hansel enters to break up the fun while also teasing them with

Throughout the film, you find out that Agnes is a witch that kills and sucks the souls of people to stay youthful and uses selling weed as a way to have a good amount of potential victims. After Hansel and Gretel initially go to Pasadena to confront Agnes, Gretel isn’t able to find out any more info because Hansel thinks Gretel is overreacting. One of Agnes’ dealers Manny is shaken down by a rival dealer named Carlos and his crew and is told to tell Agnes to stay off his turf. While smoking a blunt of the Black Forest, Agnes doesn’t take the

threat seriously meanwhile Manny is visibly worried. Agnes asks for Manny’s phone and texts a problematic word that I’m not typing. Agnes then slices Manny’s throat as he’s reacting to the text message she just sent to Carlos. When Carlos and his crew get to her house and Agnes answers she doesn’t look like herself. Earlier in the film, she’s this old woman in her 80’s, this scene she looks like a beautiful 40-year-old. After threatening her at gunpoint she takes her to her grow room. She then uses her powers to tie Carlos up by his feet with a hose and hang him upside down. His goons run, one is chased by a demon dog, the other fights a zombie Manny. Carlos is killed by having a faucet put in his stomach and his blood is drained out. The goon fighting Manny kills him but is then stabbed in the ears by Agnes with ice picks.

The final scenes see Gretel and Manny’s girlfriend Bianca going to Agnes’ to confront her and find out what happened to their boyfriends. While Bianca distracts Agnes, Gretel snoops through the house and finds the grow room. After Agnes figures out what’s going on she chases them throughout the house. Once they get away they find zombie Manny in a trash can. The girls are captured by Agnes meanwhile Hansel enters the home and fights zombie Carlos and kills him. After knocking him out with a vase, Agnes shoots two cops who knock on her door. Stuck in a cage

with the demon dog guarding them Gretel figures out how to get past him and goes to save her brother. While trying to save Gretel bound to the steel table, Bianca’s heart is ripped out by Agnes. Hansel and Gretel kill Agnes by throwing her in a furnace and closing it. While outside an electrician picks up a black cat and brings it into his car and some rumbling starts. The person behind the wheel is Agnes and she drives away.

After watching this film I laughed, cringed and wanted to smoke all

at the same time. If you stoners out there are looking for a good B horror movie to watch while your toking this is the one for you. This will make you think twice about buying from that nice person in your apartment building or neighborhood. You never know who you’re buying from, they could be an upstanding person or a murderous witch that wants to stay youthful for eternity.

- James “Spicy” Wyche

Latinxs En Cannabis

Welcome Back Happy Munkey Fam! We hope you have been enjoying the first half of Latinx Heritage month! To keep the celebration going the Happy Munkey crew is bringing you another volume of standout Latinx individuals in the cannabis industry. We are big believers in giving people their flowers while they are here, but with that being said this is not by any means an end all be all kind of list. There are a lot of Latinx people making huge strides in the cannabis industry and we plan to continue shining light on our entire Latinx cannaFam in future issues! Until then please enjoy our second installment of “Latinx En Cannabis”

Gia Morón

Gia Morón is the President of Women Grow, a networking and advocacy platform that seamlessly brings together canna-curious individuals with power players in the industry, with a heavy female first focus! Gia is a native New Yorker and is no stranger to the cannabis industry or the world of public relations where she made a name for herself working as a Media Relations Officer for Goldman Sachs for over 15 years! Gia has also been a longtime supporter of the Happy Munkey movement and we are grateful and proud to have her as part of the Munkey Tribe!

Mario Guzman

Mario Guzman is the master cultivator who is credited with creating world famous strains, including: Gelato, Sunset Sherbert, and Pink Panties. Mario is the owner of the sensational California brand Sherbinskis, which since being founded in 2014, has grown from a flower to lifestyle brand, offering genetics, a variety of cannabis products, merch and more.

Rita Montoya

Rita Montoya is a practicing attorney in the state of Maryland, proud medical patient, advocate, mother, and self described Chronic Pain & Illness Warrior! When I first met Rita what stood out to me was her tenacity around patient access and quality control in the Maryland medical cannabis market. She doesn’t take simple No’s as an answer and she really gets shit done! Originally from the West Coast with Mexican roots, Rita is undoubtedly a powerhouse in the DMV area!

Roger Obando

Roger Obando is a serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in software development and consulting in both the enterprise and start-up world. Most notably he created Baker Technologies, which was a revolutionary software platform that helped cannabis companies better serve their clients and patients by using big data to build and retain positive relationships with their customers! Roger is also a Happy Munkey supporter and can be heard chopping it up on the Boulevard with Vlad & Ramon on Episode 10 of the Happy Munkey Podcast!

Jamie Partida

Jamie Partida is the Co-Founder of Culture Club NYC and CannaGather NY Brand Ambassador, as well as regular contributor to the Munkey Biz magazine! A proud Chicana, Jamie is fountain of cannabis and holistic living knowledge! In the days before Covid, Jamie could be regularly seen at the many cannabis networking events, sharing her energy and excitement for the industry. Jamie has also been a huge advocate in drug policy reform, as well as pushing the conversation forward on the importance of social equity in the cannabis industry out East!

Nelson Guerrero

Nelson Guerrero is Ecuadorian-American and East Coast native that has been making impactful strides for the Latinx community since 2016. Nelson is the co-founder of the Cannabis Cultural Association, which heavily emphasizes criminal justice reform, promotes access to medical cannabis, and advocates legalization for adult-use of cannabis. Nelson has also made it his mission to educate and inform the Latinx Community about the wonders of cannabis, from its medical benefits to potential economic opportunities! Thank you Nelson!

SECURING COMPASSIONATE RELEASE FOR PHILONG CHUONG FOLLOWING FIVE YEARS IN PRISON FOR CANNABIS

On September 4, 2020, after serving five years in prison for a cannabis-related infraction, Philong Chuong returned home to his family as a result of a compassionate release secured by LPP and global law firm Goodwin. A Goodwin pro bono team led by Cannabis and White Collar Defense + Government Investigations partner Jennifer Fisher began partnering with LPP in the fight to free Chuong in July 2020, as COVID-19 ravaged his prison facility and put his life at significant risk.

Chuong, a 57-year-old father of two, came to the U.S. as a refugee during the Vietnam War, then worked tirelessly to create a life for himself and his family in Oakland, California, including building a local construction business. He became a pillar of his community, known for his selflessness, compassion, and determination.

In 2015, he was sentenced to 87 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and money laundering. He received a substantially longer sentence than those given to his co-defendants, despite Chuong neither being the

mastermind nor the instigator of the charged conspiracy and having no history of criminal activity or violence.

This year, while Chuong served his sentence at USP Atwater, COVID-19 spread through the facility and put his life in danger. Chuong’s attorneys filed a motion for his immediate release in the Western District of Pennsylvania, citing this immediate and grave risk to his life. During Chuong’s incarceration, he developed a litany of medical conditions that compromised his immune system and placed him at a heightened risk for complications if he contracted the coronavirus, and the facility staff were not taking adequate measures to protect him, his attorneys argued.

The team submitted evidence demonstrating Chuong’s record of good behavior and character before and during his incarceration, presenting numerous letters of support from his community. One such letter from the Minister of the Lakeside Temple of Practical Christianity in Oakland lauded Chuong for his generosity and hard work in making

repairs at the Temple before he was incarcerated, and informed the court that they would welcome him back and help him after his release.

The motion filed to secure compassionate release argued that Chuong not only received a disproportionately long sentence — of which he had already served the majority — but was also convicted of an offense involving the distribution and sale of cannabis, which has since been legalized in 33 states, including Pennsylvania, where he was sentenced, and California, where he lived.

After evaluating the filing and all of the supporting evidence, the court granted the motion for Chuong’s release, allowing him to return to Oakland and reunite with his family. The court found that the increased risk of severe complications if Mr. Chuong contracted COVID-19 due to his medical conditions, the time he had already served in prison, his lack of criminal history, and his post-offense rehabilitation efforts, among other factors, warranted his release.

The legal team led by Fisher included Hayes Hyde, Parker Reed, Luiza Coelho, David Rapp-Kirshner, Linh Ho, Katelyn Cidlevich, Kimberly Martin, and Jose Valdes.

-Sarah Gersten

Originally Published :

https://www.lastprisonerproject.org/ last-prisoner-project-and-goodwin-secure-compassionate-release-for-philong-chuong-following-five-years-in-prison-for-cannabis-offense

Happy Munkey Talk: Maria Hinojosa

NPR Anchor And President of Futuro Media Group

This week, Ramon And Vlad go straight to the Boulevard with Maria Hinojosa, founder of The Futuro Media Group and NPR Anchor to discuss coming out the“Cannabis Closet” in her new memoir “Once I Was You”. We also get into Maria’s career in media and her trailblazing nature!

Q: So where does the story of Maria Hinojosa Start?

A: So basically, the short version is I’m born in Mexico and my dad is a nerd Mexican dude from Tampico who basically decides that he wants to become a research doctor dedi cated to research, and he decides he wants to help people who are deaf to hear. So he gets a job. He gets recruited by the University of Chicago and we’re all basically raised all Mexican citizens except for him. He became an American cit izen and even though we never saw ourselves in the media, there were no podcasts. There were no people of color doing like the news. No journalism.But somehow I kind of I con sume a lot of journalism Along with other things and so on and so I don’t know, This little dream comes to my head so when I’m in college already, I moved to New York, so I’m a Mexican who moves to New York in 1979. I start doing col lege radio at Columbia University And so I start a bilingual radio show called “Neuva Concion y de was” and we start doing our show in Spanish doing all political music. It was really, really hip. And then I become a journalist, m the first Latina ever hired at NPR in the NEWSROOM at CNN.

A: Futuro media is basically this notion of like, wait a second. I don’t want to work for anybody anymore. I honestly and I write about this in the book, I don’t want to have to convince another white man that the stories I want to tell and report and investigate are important and legitimate and should be discussed. I mean, you have to remember most of the news media that we consume in this country, White men, straight, sis white men, sis male white men of privilege are leading that stuff. Not to say that they’re bad human beings.I mean, I like a lot of these guys, but they have their own perspective. What we’re saying in Futuro Media is we have a perspective, right. We have a perspective and it’s as legitimate and equal to yours. And so we’re going to be the journalists. We’re going to be the ones in charge. That’s why I create Futuro Media, where basically I’m the boss.3 different companies Corrupt was doing his thing, the real Moon Rocks over there, and Dr. Zodiac still out here going strong. I looked at it like I understand it now.

Q: SO, what is Futuro Media ?

Q:So So Back then I’m sure that you were unable to just talk about all the things that you wanted us to

A: Well, for example, like when you work in the mainstream news, like there in my newsroom, there are words that we don’t use like the word minority. in the mainstream media out there in the world and people talk about minority groups and they report about minority groups. In my newsroom, we don’t talk about minority groups because we’re not a minority. A lot of what I’m saying, We report about people of color, that’s what we do best. But I don’t ever refer to us as a minority or members of a minority group. You know, we’re not minorities. Latinos right now are the second after white people, white voters and were the second largest voting bloc in the United States of America, more so than AfricanAmericans. That’s crazy. So together, African-Americans and Latinos, Asian, Native American, we’re the majority. So that’s a term in my newsroom that we don’t use, we don’t use the term illegal to refer to a human being. So you’ll never hear us talk about illegal immigrants. You’ll never hear us talk about always say illegal. That illegal person. Yeah, we never use the term illegal to refer to a human being because we’re human beings. we’re not illegal. You may commit an illegal act and up until recently smoking a joint was an illegal act. So those are the things that we’re able to do with the newsroom that I run. That’s basically why I created my newsroom, was to create my own media the same way that you guys are creating media along with other things.

because my dad was part of the university. We didn’t have to pay the full tuition. That’s how we did it. And so I understood privilege. And for me, privilege has always made me understand that I have to give back. And so even though I write in the book “once I was you” a lot about the imposter syndrome and just not feeling good enough and always feeling like I was having to prove myself all the time. I forced myself to battle through that because I knew I had privilege. I was like, “no, You know, you’ve gone to the best schools, You’ve grown up around people of privilege, and you feel that you are going to kind of cave to your own insecurities.” I was like, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, you have to go into that. You know, at NPR and I’m the first Latina,at those editorial meetings. I was like “Raise your hand!” because, you know, it’s an editorial meeting and you’re convincing people about your ideas to do a story about this And it’s a very scary thing. And it’s a lot of very powerful and smart white men and women. And I would literally, like force my hand up, like I’d push it up, “like, come on say it go ahead”Because I was terrified, but I understood, I had to do this. I was I I was in that space. I had to participate. I just had to.

Q: How does a Latina, originally from Mexico, come to New York in 1979 and end up being the first Latina on National Public Radio?

A: So here’s the thing. I told you that my dad was a nerdy nerd, a scientist. So we were not poor. We were not working class. We were not rich ,but we wanted for nothing. I grew up with an immigrant dad, so everything was always supers controlled and, you know, there was never enough and all that kind of stuff. But I had privilege. I ended up going to the University of Chicago High School, which is a very prestigious high school, it’s the school where Barack Obama and Michelle used to send their kids before they moved to the White House. So I was able to go to that private school

Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & Tired:

The Story Of A Black Woman Who Has Sacrificed Money, Health, And Family To Build A Dream In A Thriving Industry That Still Makes It Difficult For Us To Succeed.

By Sarah Agboola

I remember 2017 like it was yesterday. How could I forget the sheer excitement about finally being able to position myself to work and make an impact in the legal cannabis industry? Name a cannabis seminar or conference, and you would more than likely find me there front and center. Soaking up all the info, building my network, and establishing my brand. Having the opportunity to own and operate a manufacturing and distribution company in the legal market was a dream come true for me. Surely this would be my exit from the hustle and bustle of Corporate America. My introduction to building something of my own that would build generational wealth while serving the community. Holding a license meant I could employ others and do the continuous work to remove the stigma. In many ways, I wanted to correct the wrongs that came with the War on Drugs that targeted communities of people that look just like me.

I had high hopes of owning and operating my company in the city of Los Angeles. Unfortunately, many of those hopes and dreams were crushed as I navigated the licensing

process. I saw the ugly side of backroom deals, predatory partnerships, and complicated licensing and application processes.

This is the story of a Black woman who has sacrificed money, health, and family to build a dream in a thriving industry that still makes it difficult for us to succeed.

This is my story

I did everything right, or at least I thought I did. I spent most of 2017 registering the business, hiring an attorney (this is not the industry to be in without consistent legal representation), creating my pitch, and outlining financial projections. There was no way I was going to fail.

Little did I know, there was nothing that could have prepared me for the constant disappointments, moving timelines, and failed expectations. The first sign of trouble came when the California application submission was delayed for nearly eight months. Sure, I was a little upset, but I was certain that the time and money

I invested would work to my benefit. I used the spare time to pitch to potential investors, update the business plan, and share my vision. I wanted to create quality infused cannabis products that would line the shelves of dispensaries and eventually sell to the masses. This was my dream, and there was no way I was about to quit.

2018 bought more challenges than an Olympic obstacle course. In addition to the delayed process, I was experiencing some health issues due to the constant stress that comes when building a licensed cannabis company in

Los Angeles, CA. By December of that year, I had exhausted over $150k from my savings and my family, took to crashing on my Aunt’s couch, and suffered a cardiac arrest. Finally, there was a light at the end of the tunnel. I was awarded my temporary license on December 28, 2018.

This is it; I had finally made it past the hard part. At least that is what I kept telling myself. It seemed like

obtaining additional investors would be a breeze now that I officially had a temporary license. I could not have been more wrong. I carved out a niche in the market to provide clean green, certified cannabis (the good stuff). Due to the higher price point and specific market audience, investors were reluctant. While I saw the potential to create a brand to saturate the mass market and produce multiple infused products, investors saw it differently. Although I have a corporate background, have proven financial integrity, and pitched a business plan with projected financials it just didn’t seem to be enough. I was told constantly that I needed to give up 50% or more of equity. That I had to relinquish all control and couldn’t have any decision-making power and to just leave it up to “them”. Essentially, they wanted to potentially work with me only if it meant usage of my license with no buy-in and complete takeover.

I wish I could say that most of my opposition was coming from my white counterparts. Unfortunately, this was also coming from my own.

As a result of the delayed timelines and ever-changing cannabis regulations, “help” groups started forming to support, advocate, and gather real-time information. There were now groups of black business people offering to help but they also presented predatory deals that would surely leave me high and dry. I saw white men and women forming their groups as I was left “group less” with the realization that no one was fighting for me or lending support to our Black Women, much less an Afro-Latina.

I spoke with everyone from retired athletes to doctors, and they only wanted to invest in businesses owned by my white counterparts or black men. I found it interesting as some of these companies (almost all run by White men) were burning through cash, buying unnecessary luxuries and new homes. And these were the smart ones to be trusted?

I could only laugh, but hey, they got the money.

I wanted people to invest in me that believed in my vision and capabilities, but that was not enough in my case. Thankfully with the help of those closest to me, I was able to secure a deposit for my third building. Yes, you read that right, previous properties did not meet the state standard to pass inspection

so, I had to move locations. I finally had the money, made the move and was preparing for inspection when DCR (Department of Cannabis Regulations- LA City) notified me that they wouldn’t be inspecting companies with building changes until further notice. Another blow. Here I am, three buildings in, living off what is left of savings and counting pennies while paying rent at a building that wasn’t scheduled for inspection anytime soon. I was exhausted and throwing money away while waiting for a decision.

Another year passes and brings with it COVID-19 and yet additional changes to local licensing. In the midst of it all, I was desperately trying to maintain my health and good standing to attract investors but I’m not Superwoman. I am now struggling to pay the rent on an empty building that I have to keep to maintain my license. As a result, I began seeking alternatives again.

I met with several groups and it’s always the same song and dance, here again, they don’t have money to buy in on the license, they want to do illegal cultivation to pay building rent, they want to come in with the I’m better than you attitude, but no money. Or worst condescending with no money or anything. I couldn’t believe it once again slapped in the face from my own black people. So, I have proven to secure a city license, pending state

license, building, insurance, cameras, etc. and still no investors, joint ventures, partnerships, nothing. I’m now being told that most investors now want an already built-out facility with 3-6 months of working capital. The stakes keep getting higher and I’m out of funds.

For most women in this industry, we are still seeking funding as the unreasonable deadlines by DCR are approaching that will knock us out forever. There has been no Social Equity, no assistance, unreasonable deadlines, constant changes with short notice, inability to change buildings quickly, and yet we must meet the deadlines or else. We are constantly jumping through the many ever-changing hoops. For those of us that have not given up there is little hope as we are not in a position of power not having the funding.

Writing this is a form of therapy for a story that hasn’t ended, but the light has certainly dimmed. I’m determined for this not to be my end and I would greatly appreciate your support.

If you’d like to know how you can contribute to keeping the story and brand alive, please contact me directly at info@goldenblissbrands.com

---- Sarah Agboola LA City Cannabis Story

Celebrating Cannabis Culture While Fighting for Equality

The history of Cannabis in the United States and social equity in Cannabis legalization during Hispanic Hearitage Month.

Cannabis is currently one of the world’s highest sold and consumed plants, with millions spent annually for medicinal and recreational purposes. Something that was once seen as a crime to possess, is currently taking the world by storm. So what exactly is the history behind Cannabis? How is it related to Hispanic Heritage Month?

According to an article titled, History of Cannabis as a Medicine, it states that the first evidence of cannabis use was found in China around 4000 B.C. Chinese people used the seeds from cannabis for everyday medical purposes. However, they were not the only people to use cannabis for medicinal purposes. Countries all over the world have used the plant for medicine for centuries. As time progressed, cannabis- or otherwise known as marijuana- began to be used for recreational purposes. In the early 1900s, during the Mexican revolution, Mexicans introduced the recreational practice of smoking marijuana to the United States.

Now years later, many Americans today still use cannabis for both recreational and medical purposes.

Marijuana has gone from being perceived as bad and illegal to now being one of the fastest selling products in the consumables market, as well as the tobacco/smoking market for the states and countries that have legalized it. Consuming Cannabis can have a number of positive effects on the body. Some of these effects include, but are not limited to: relieving chronic pain, reducing anxiety levels, and relieving arthritis. With cannabis being such a great plant with benefits of treating many diseases, we still have to fight for the right to use medicine in many states within the US today.

For many years the plant was criminalized throughout the US, however Cannabis was completely outlawed in 1970 with the passing of the Controlled Substances Act, making possession of any amount a criminal offense. Thus, creating a war on drugs between the United States and Mexico- who had been importing it for many years prior due to the increase in demand. The “War on Drugs” has been famously portrayed throughout the media and history books as being a multi-billion dollar operation between the Mexican Cartel and the United States’ Drug Enforcement Agency. Thousands of casualties and incarcerations later, the US and Mexico are now beginning to work towards legal reform to address the medicinal as well as recreational

Chinese people used the seeds from cannabis for everyday medical purposes.

Cannabis has been cultivated for hundreds of years throughout Latin America, and is traditionally used for medicinal purposes with topical products as well as smoking the bud of the plant.

qualities of this plant known as marijuana, while maintaining a socially equitable legislation.

that aren’t backed by a large company. This being the main fight and goal for social equality within the cannabis market, laws being passed need to make sure that minorities have the same probability of being approved by the state as everyone else that applies for cannabis licensing. Cannabis groups such as Culture Club NYC and Happy Munkey (among many others) that advocate for legalization in New York are also working towards ensuring minorities and especially Black, Hispanic and Latino communities are represented throughout the process.

Hispanic Heritage Month in the US begins September 15 and ends on October 15th, which is a good time to bring awareness to a part of the community that has been wrongfully convicted for a crime that many states now recognize as being legal. Statistically speaking, minority groups face harsher punishments and are often marginalized and barred from opportunities compared to their white counterparts.This month is meant to bring awareness to and honor traditions within these communities which provide a great moment to shed light on the inequalities faced by a large portion of our population. As cannabis has been traditionally used in several cultures throughout Latin America, it is also a time for sharing these practices with friends and family that could benefit from its therapeutic and medicinal properties.

While Cannabis legalization is important, providing social equity for minorities within the industry should take precedence. Continuing the fight against the war on drugs, many cannabis organizations are also working to gain more social equity and representation within the legal market in the US and Mexico. We have seen several states such as Illinois implement more social equality regulations with regards to licensing and the application process that will provide more opportunities for minority groups. However, the governor has stated himself that more work needs to be done because the requirements still aren’t fair to the applicants

While it seems that the COVID-19 Pandemic has halted the momentum in many cities and states that were seeing progression toward legalization and true social equality reform, we must continue to ensure we make our Representatives aware of the benefits that social equity programs can offer to these communities.

Cannabis has had a long and complicated history, and many people historically tend to focus on the negative effects of cannabis or “marijuana”, rarely speaking about the positives. Seeing that there are numerous positive effects of marijuana that date back to 4.000 B.C, should we consider it to be more benign than other substances? And how can we advocate for equal rights and reparations when legalization occurs? Most importantly...how can you get involved?

Follow us at @Cultureclubnyc for more info & updates

- Jamie Partida and Amber Wright

Culture Club at the MCBA Tri-State Social Equity Summit held in NYC 2019.

Kicks 4 The KULTURE

BY Rozay Jose

Welcome back Happy Munkey Fam to a new edition of kicks for the Kulture. Spooky season is upon us, so for the October edition we will focus on a few of the greatest Halloween themed sneakers ever released. Many people love Halloween for different reasons, some love it for the endless horror movies shown on television, others love it because they can dress up in costumes and attend parties and events, but then there’s the sneaker fanatics who simply look forward to getting their hands on the new Halloween exclusive silhouette released. The hype for Halloween sneaker releases started around the early 2000s when Nike focused on designing their most coveted sneaker silhouettes with Halloween colors. The Nike Air Force ones and the Nike dunks were two of Nike’s most successful silhouettes used to produce Halloween themed exclusives. I will now display a couple of the best and most valuable Halloween themed sneakers that coincidentally all were released in the same year.

Air Force One Premium “Frankenstein“

Released: 2006

The Frankenstein air force ones released in a family pack alongside a kids sneaker and a women’s sneaker. Nike went crazy on the details of the sneaker. First of all, they were patent leather which always makes a sneaker look better, then they were one of the first sneakers to have a metallic silver check, and two toned colors. For further detailing Nike designed Frankenstein’s signature forehead stitches on the toe box. This without a doubt is one of the most valuable Halloween themed sneakers ever.

Nike Dunk SB Low “Day Of The Dead”

Released: 2006

The day of the dead dunks are the holy-grails for some collectors. The sneaker design was inspired by Dia de Los Muertos which is celebrated in Mexico as another form of Halloween. The sneaker is covered in skeleton print and black, orange, and purple Halloween color scheme. What makes the day of the dead’s so special is the fact that they only released In Mexico and Canada making it nearly impossible to purchase if you lived anywhere else. The fact that it was so difficult to obtain a pair made this sneaker instantly rare and very expensive in value.

Nike SB Dunk Low “Freddy Krueger”

Released: 2006

The Freddy Krueger Nike Sb are without a doubt a legendary sneaker. The sneaker is detailed with red and green stripes to match Freddy Kruger’s sweater. Nike added blood splatter to add suspense and brown overlays that look similar to the killers decayed skin. They even added a metallic silver check on these bad boys specifically to represent Freddy Kruger’s razor glove. To add to greatness Nike was never able to release this sneaker due to copyright problems. Only a small number of people in the world own a sample pair. A pair of Freddy Kruger Nike dunks could run you anything from 25k to 40k a pair......these are the best if you ask me!!!

\In conclusion, Halloween nowadays wouldn’t be complete without a Halloween themed sneaker release. Though the sneakers that I have displayed above are all on Hall of Fame status and obtain unmatchable greatness, I hope to see sneaker companies over time continue to produce more highly detailed Halloween sneakers. Halloween exclusively themed sneakers are not just for the sneaker fanatics or resellers it’s for the Kulture. Hope you enjoyed the Happy Munkey spooky Kicks 4 the Kulture edition and as always stay Happy.

I Know You’re Set For Fighting, But What Are You Fighting For ?

By Danny Hulkower

was walking to work for a midnight shift the night the riots came to NYC. Heading up 8th Ave, I was approaching 41st, by Port Authority, when the radios of all the police officers announced simultaneously: “Large crowd moving west on 41st, towards 8th. All officers be prepared.” They may have been, but I sure wasn’t. Within seconds a trickle of kids on bicycles gave way to a massive wave of screaming rioters. The crowd swarmed 8th ave, crossing 42nd, paralleling my route to work. Businesses I recognized; the 711 where I once bought a drink, the souvenir store I recommend my tourist friends go to for gifts; I watched as their glass was shattered and their contents looted. In the name of social justice? I guess so, I mean that’s what the signs they were holding proclaimed. Although I will say that of the rioters I spoke to, most seemed more interesting in the looting aspect than social reform...

As the police moved in, the crowd rushed forward into a stampede. I ducked into a doorway, when a rioter decided to smack my drink and phone out of my hands. Two hours later, I would be sent by my job to 34th

street, just blocks from my home, to tend to the aftermath. Shattered storefronts, glass and merchandise were strewn everywhere. For years, the public sat silently as police and judicial misbehavior became an expected part of being American, and when the powder keg reached its bursting point, the people turned on each other, instead of the system that lit the fuse. This is not the first time. Now our cities are burning, and what could have been a fantastic opportunity to demand changes to the policing and judicial systems has crumbled. Americans are turning on each other creating a two ring circus of left vs right, instead of a solid: “US”. Never once demanding that those career politicians who have perennially perpetuated our broken system be tried, and held accountable; instead choosing to burn down locally owned businesses in the name of: “Social justice”. The dedicated street fighters, either don’t care, or are blissfully unaware, that no matter which president you vote for, the outcome will not change. Let’s not delude ourselves into believing that our policing and judicial systems were hunky-dory right up until 2016. People in suits come and go,

it’s the system that sustains; and if you think torching the local mattress store is going to change that system, then I have a beach in Kansas I’d like to take you surfing on.

No matter how personable a politician is, no matter how much he seems to care about you, his devotion is to the platform he stands on, not the stairs that brought him there. Just ask any Old Bolshevik who, during the great purge, couldn’t figure out why as a loyal supporter of Stalin, he still found himself on the “oh blyat” end of a Tokarev. A generation of fed-up Millenials, on both sides, have dug deep trenches between each other, instead of meeting in the “no-mansland” to conduct discourse and find dialectic. That’s not how the system works, silly! Hate each other, fight each other, blame each other, but never once realize that you’re all one. You’re all American, you’re all human, and any injustice against one of them, is an injustice against all of us. If they can shoot him for no reason and get away with it, they can do the same to you. 2020 has been a year of nothing but chaos, and with this volatile election

hanging only weeks away, both sides threaten civil war should this election not go the way they want. Somehow people have forgotten that true strength is in diplomacy, discussion and compassion. Forget who wins the big chair. Let’s instead agree that income instability, non-sequitur laws, unmitigated qualified immunity for law enforcement, in addition to low hiring standards and, the continued destruction of the American middle class, are the problems that everyone faces. Our leaders have cherry picked the nouns by which we protest. If you listen to them, instead of recognizing the problems in our collective reality, you’ll never actually accomplish social change, you’ll always be doing their bidding. It doesn’t help that social media has become a hot box for both sides to preach the same stale arguments to their respective congregations, keeping the window tightly shut, deterring any new ideas from billowing in.

Light an incense! Better yet, open that window, open your mind. Instead of focusing on problems that can actually be fixed, your leaders keep you living in the past. The past isn’t going to change, and all the protesting and looting will not bring back the lives lost to police brutality. But in their name, should we all work TOGETHER to bring justice to the people who the system has failed, but can be saved and manumitted. In their names demand the end to qualified immunity. Require body cams to always be running. Bring on a higher standard of a police officer; educated, and given mental health and de-escalation training. Police brutality ends when the system becomes forced to hold its own accountable for their actions.

In my previous article I discussed Sean Worsley, the disabled veteran, arrested for possession of medical marijuana in Alabama, and railroaded by a corrupt system. Well, Mr. Worsley is back in the news. After spending the summer lodging in Pickens County jail, Mr.

Worsley’s court date has come. And it’s not good. A case that should have been laughed out of the courtroom has instead turned into a nightmare. An Alabama judge decided that instead of allowing Mr. Worsley to plead to community supervision and treatment, the Iraq war veteran is being sent to prison... for five years. Despite a company promising him a job, and housing assistance, free and continuous PTSD treatment, and guarantees from the VA to monitor Mr. Worsley, he is currently awaiting transport to begin his sentence. Nevermind that Alabama’s prisons are, technically speaking “a shitshow”; underfunded and overcrowded. Regardless of the mental toll being in a harsh environment like a prison will have on a combat veteran with PTSD, the law must go on. And no matter how trivial the law was, Sean Worsley broke it, and now has to pay. According to Leah Nelson from the Alabama Appleseed Project: “In Mr. Worsley’s case, Alabama’s justice system worked exactly as it was designed to.” “The arresting officer, judge and prosecutor each exercised discretion at various points, but ultimately, what happened to Mr. Worsley is a predictable outcome of Alabama’s grossly punitive drug laws and the United States’ refusal to meet disabled veterans where they are or provide them with the services they need.”

Sean Worsley was failed by the

system. Putting his race aside, anybody can find themselves on the wrong side of this merciless system that can be directed in any way the official at the joystick sees fit. As long as Marijuana / drug laws remain confusing the government can use them as they please, against anyone they please. Joe Bidens’ anti-crime bills wrecked already destitute neighborhoods by allowing asset forfeiture; giving the state authority to confiscate anything deemed to have been bought with the proceeds of criminal racketeering. Kamala Harris, as the top cop in California, built a career putting non-violent drug offenders in prison. Now that they’re running for president and vice-president, Ms. Harris has suddenly called for weed to be federally “decriminalized”. What does that mean? I don’t know, but I’m sure it’ll do nothing to help Sean Worsley or any of the other thousands of non-violent weed offenders sitting behind bars (many of them victims of Biden and Harris’ own policies). Do you see what I mean about loyalty to the platform?

Weed being illegal is part of the system, and like I said in my previous article, if you take that away, the cops will have fewer excuses to turn traffic stops into searches, fewer reasons to conduct no-knock raids. Biden and Harris, Trump and Pence. None of them are looking to upset that status quo. Many of the laws designed to allow cops the right to snoop around your car were born out of prohibition rum running. Prohibition ended but the laws stayed around to help put millions of non-violent drug offenders into prison. The war on drugs isn’t a failure, it’s a crony capitalist success story! $51 billion dollars a year isn’t evaporating into thin air! It’s lining the pockets of the people who profit off the system as it is; from private prisons, to government agencies paid to bust grow ops. DEA, FBI, local task forces, state police. Then of course there are the companies supplying

them with equipment. Capitalism is about supply and demand; if there is no organic demand, make your own!

If you’re a Gen Z millennial and you’re stocking up on bottles to use as molotov cocktails, if your favorite puppet isn’t elected in November, STOP. If you believe that defunding and demobilizing the police will lead to a better society, it’s not gonna happen. If you think more intensive police are needed that’s not the answer either. Breonna Taylor was shot by cops but murdered by a system. A system that permits no-knock police home invasions for drug offenses. Eric Garner was murdered by a system that cares more about cigarette taxes than human life. All the mentally ill people killed by cops, were all murdered by a system that treats the mentally ill as criminals instead of patients. Overall it’s a system of “us vs them”. This is a flaw in the system that won’t be pried out by burning and looting, but by coming together and finding dialectic. Finding common ground, and most importantly compassion for each other. For everyone, especially marijuana users and patients, all of us are always one minor traffic infraction away from being thrown into a cell. Who the president is doesn’t matter. What matters is that we all prioritize fixing the system we all live under, demanding our constitutional rights not privileges, and ignoring the urge to destroy our cities which does nothing to remedy our societal inequalities. The war on intoxicants has been the biggest threat to our constitutional rights since its inception. Only we can demand our rights back, and the end to the war on drugs, especially marijuana, is the first step.

In the meantime, Sean Worsley sits in jail awaiting a horrible future behind bars in one of Alabama’s infamous prisons. He doesn’t deserve this. Before you answer the call of the streets, look into the number of non-violent drug offenders rotting in prison. Now realize that you can help get these people their lives back. Call and write to Pickens County. Organize a PEACEFUL protest if you live down there. Heck, organize one where you live! This ordeal has cost the Worsley family time, aggravation, and money. Donate to them, and not to a cause run by some rich crony bidding for the two party system. There is nothing in the world that you can set fire to that will change the situation for Mr. Worsley. What he and his family need is support and love; from everyone. Once we get him freed we work to get others freed. Then we free ourselves.

I know you’re set for fighting, but what are you fighting for?

Photos by Jordan Hiraldo Of The Weekend Warriors

1 Lift Innovations 4-Piece Aluminum Grinder - An innovative design combined with high quality Canadian craftsmanship sets Lift Innovation grinders apart from the rest. Lift’s effortless operation is powered by its scissor-like blades that cut your herb instead of smashing it. There isn’t another grinder on the market that functions like a Lift, and if there is, it’s probably infringing on their intellectual property.

2 Mouthpeace by Mooselabs - The MouthPeace by Moose Labs was created before the pandemic to address concerns around germs and carcinogens in combusted flower. However, now the product has taken on a whole other level of importance for some consumers. Simply carry your MouthPeace around and you can use it with any piece, be it a bong, dab rig, vape, or blunt.

3 Buddy Personalized One-hitter - BUDDY is a premium one-hitter pipe that is sleek, durable, and customizable to say whatever you want. While there are scores of one-hitters, dugouts, and chillums on the market, the BUDDY is incredibly stylish (especially the new gold edition) and its two piece construction makes it really easy to clean.

4 OTTO Smart Rolling Machine - The Otto from Banana Bros is considered to be the first automatic smart milling machine in the world.The Otto’s consistency is achieved through several smart components, including its spring-loaded grinder that replicates human hand grinding techniques. And not only is it consistent, but it’s also efficient and can fill 20 to 30 joints per charge.

5 Ganjar -Tired of a container that doesn’t do its job? Ganjar is a 1oz, airtight, smell-proof cannabis container. The Ganjar aims to keep your cannabis perfectly fresh with its dual-layered design, with space for a humidity pack, and a hermetic seal. Each Ganjar features a magnifying glass lid that lets you get a close-up of your glorious buds and you can get yourself the Ganjar in green, white, and black.

6 Brog Pipe Tool - While billed as a Czech tobacco pipe tool, the multi-faceted Mr. Brog Pipe Tool serves the cannabis community oh so perfectly thanks to this little tool that keeps pipes clean. Equipped with a metal reamer, tamper and spike, Mr. Brog’s pipe tool is a useful item to have that won’t set your bank account back more than a couple of singles. This tool is super affordable and always a nice little item to throw in a gift bag if you’re having a party or event.

7 Smoke Proper Rolling Kit- Clearly invented by geniuses who all like different sized joints, the Smoke Proper Rolling Kitis simply rolling papers on a scroll, contained in a handy carrying case. The Smoke Proper Rolling Kit includes a 24’ paper roll and comes with two per order. The rolling kit also features two filter tips, a roach clip/poker, a snubber ashtray, dry herb storage, and a spot for your lighter and pre-rolls so you can take your herbs to go.

8 RYOT® HeadCase™ - We got to meet the Ryot team while attending the MJBizCon last year and were thrilled by the company’s HeadCase Carbon Series with SmellSafe and Lockable Technology. The carbon fiber padding ensures that flower aroma stays in the case by neutralizing and trapping any scents in its SmellSafe tech pores. The outside of the case stays just as protected as the inside, with weather-proof fabric and moisture seal zipper keeping any moisture away from your valuable product. If you travel with your piece in a backpack or briefcase for afternoon hits, this case will make sure you’re not rolling loud when you stroll back into the office.

9 The Clinger - The Clinger is a premium smell proof joint case which attaches onto a standard Bic lighter so that you’ll always have a place to keep your pre-rolls and roaches. It’s 100% smell proof and slim design allows you to bring it anywhere and makes it the perfect joint case for the stoners on the move. While there are a lot of great pre-roll storage solutions on the market, we love the simplicity of The Clinger and that it serves as a little sidecar to your lighter. It also comes in a variety of different colors and is very giftable.

10 Chill - The Coolest Bong In The World - Chill is the world’s first stainless steel, double-wall vacuum insulated bong. Like your favorite stainless steel water bottle, Chill’s patented double-wall vacuum insulated construction creates a shield that keeps your ice solid and water chilled for hours, so you can enjoy ice cold hits for hours. While its rugged stainless steel exterior is indestructible compared to traditional pieces, Chill’s patented ceramic interior hits just like glass. And Chill’s interchangeable neckpiece design makes it super easy to clean, add ice, and of course, attach a longer neck for bigger hits.

What is your favorite from the list? Didn’t see your personal favorite? Seed it on BudsFeed.com and we might just feature it.

Munkey Munchies: Wah Fung No.1

By David Hernandez

This month’s Munkey Munchiez is dedicated to a New York staple that has kept generations of people well fed without ever breaking the bank. I am talking about Wah Fung No.1 Fast Food the China Town classic! Whether you are trying to ball out on a budget or just have some bomb authentic Chinese food, you don’t have to look any further than Wah Fung! Earlier in the month My Brother Rafael and I were on our way to the Astor Club (IF YOU KNOW YOU KNOW), and our customary J-stroll gave us a serious case of the Munchies. When I suggested Wah Fung, Rafael turned to me and said “What’s that, I’ve never been?” As my heart and mouth dropped, I quickly had us B-Line to Chrystie street where Wah Fung is located. There was no discussion, no questions, nothing, No way a brother of mine can be out of this delicious food loop!

We pull up the store’s red awning, from the outside Wah Fung looks very old and reminiscent of the griddy New York. But don’t let the outside optics fool you! There were 5 people ahead of us on line, which is rare since the lines usually stretch around the corner. As we queued up next to a glass window lined with hanging freshly roasted duck, roast pork, and chicken quarters, I could see my brother was intrigued. By the time we got to the door we locked eyes with a laminated sign that read, “Duck / Roast Pork / Chicken Over rice & vegetables only $4.50”. Looking over at my brother I could see both wonderment and disbelief at the price.

Before we went in to the tiny shotgun style restaurant,

I told him to pick his jaw up off the ground and make sure to order a roast pork and duck combo.

When we ordered, we saw the chef working a nonstop solo shift immediately go to work with his cleaver, chopping pieces of roast pork and duck with precision skill. Once the meat was ready he grabbed a to-go container and packed it with white rice and topped it with stewed cabbage. He then laid the freshly cut meat on the bed of rice and vegetables and then topped it with a secret sauce made from in-house duck fat all for the low cost of $6 (it was more than the base $4.50 because we got two meats)! When we walked out the store with our food a line of almost 20 people had formed, and we knew not only did we hit the spot but we got there at the exactly right time! Next time you are in China Town and get the munchies make sure to stop by Wah Fung No.1 you will not be disappointed!

Photographs by Sebastian Carosi (@Chef_sebastian_carosi)

By Salam Diri & Estefania Valencia from SannaOhana Yoga & Wellnes s

Cannabis Harvest Season

Halloween is around the corner, and with it some of the busiest times for Cannabis growers in the Northern Hemisphere, Harvest Season! A very exciting time for anyone that grows or consumes Cannabis. Whether we are aware of it or not, our bodies, the trees, animals and even the Cannabis plant prepares to transition during the Fall Season. Cooler and darker days which means less exposure to sunlight, signal to the Annual Cannabis plant that it is time to send all of its energy into Flowering.

During the months of September to December, outdoor growers across the entire United States are preparing for harvest and are on the lookout for when the Cannabis plant reaches its peak flower ripeness. Ed Rosenthal, the “guru of ganja,” considers cannabis perfectly ripe when the trichomes turn to a milky or amber color. Trichomes are gland structures that dot the surface of the flower and produce oils containing terpenes, flavonoids and cannabinoids such as CBD and THC. Once the flowers are ready, the plant is harvested, dried to reduce water content and remove chlorophyll, trimmed and cured. A quite laborious process! Thank you farmers!

Although Cannabis is primarily grown for its flowers, every part of the plant can be used for something. After harvesting the flowers you are left with leaves, stalks, roots, and trim. Cannabis is one of the most versatile crops known to man and it continues to surprise us as we discover more and more sustainable and medicinal uses of the plant. As you can see, Halloweed isn’t so Hollow after all, in fact it is super Whole! So if you decide to give growing a try or if you are a consumer/ patient ready to learn all you can about this magnificent plant, below are a few ways the whole plant can be utilized in your home or a large scale operation.

1. The Colas is the main part of the flower, at the end of a female plant’s stem and is

composed of many small floral clusters. In general, the bigger, heavier, and more densely covered in trichomes a cola is, the better quality it will be. This is the part of the plant more often used for smoking and oil extractions for recreational and medicinal use.

2. Fan Leaves are the plant’s main energy gatherers. Green chlorophyll in the leaves assists in energy absorption from the sun, transforming it into vital fuel. Leaves are great when consumed while they are fresh and raw as they are considered superfoods. If ingested in a raw state, you will be able to absorb cannabinoids more optimally, so if you have a high tolerance for Cannabis or suffer from pain and inflammation, this may be a great option for you. We suggest you put the leaves in a blender with fruit to make a smoothie or add to your favorite foods and teas

3. Trim is what is left over after the flower buds are trimmed, the leftover leaves are mainly composed of Sugar Leaves, which are small leaves that grow closer to the buds and contain high levels of trichomes. With enough of them, a bubble hash extraction can be performed to create some fairly active, solvent-free concentrates. Other ways to use trim include making cannabutter for edibles or pre-rolls.

4. The Stalk of the Cannabis plant produces extremely fibrous material. Commercial hemp farming is largely based on the fibrous quality of the plant and the oil extracted from the hemp seeds. This fibrous texture makes the Cannabis plant ideal for use in building materials such as hempcrete and textiles, rope, paper, biofuel, bioplastics and more. Alternatively, you can also use a wood chipper to break down the stalks to create mulch which can be added to your compost pile or to your garden as long as it is mixed well with living soil.

5. The Roots of the Cannabis plant have been used medicinally since 2700 BC. Brewed cannabis roots were historically used to treat pain, gonorrhea, gout and hemorrhaging during pregnancies. The best way to prepare roots for medicinal use is by boiling them for tea or to dry the roots and grind them into a powder. Using either preparation, you can then create salves by mixing the powder or liquid with oils or other solutions.

Regardless of your growing experience, it is easy to see how complex, risky and laborious the process of harvesting Cannabis is. So in this autumn season as you smoke your pipe, roll your joint, eat your edibles or put on your soft hemp sweater, remember the journey this plant has taken to get to your hands and feel a new sense of appreciation for the farmers that helped grow it!

Don’t Forget the Basics. Knowledge is Power

By Andrew Behringer & Amna Shamim

People talk about the West Coast as if the cannabis industry stops when you cross the Mississippi. While that was true 10 years ago, times are changing fast. The fact is, the East Coast cannabis industry is about to explode. While traditionally California and Colorado have been the big names, this is set to change, and soon.

In New York, Cuomo is talking about legalizing cannabis for recreational users. New Jersey has recreational legalization on the ballot this November. Virginia’s state government is under a blue wave, with the house, senate, and governor all being democrats who are pushing through cannabis legalization at a rapid rate.

Cannabis has finally been acknowledged as an essential industry during the covid-19 pandemic and that changes things, whether politicians are ready to acknowledge it or not. Staring down the barrel of massive tax shortfalls, legislators are focusing on the potential revenue. Simultaneously consumers are demanding better access and better products and businesses are springing up to serve that demand. Edibles businesses are doing particularly well with consumers who are skittish about smoking, who are new, and/or who just need a little extra help dealing with the world in 2020.

Education and access to expert insights is easier than ever today as well, thanks to the internet and the cannabis industry’s willingness to pivot to virtual platforms. While there is no single perfectly reliable and easily-accessible resource for the entire cannabis industry, there are several good options. The Medical Cannabis Community has always been a reliable digital resource for patients and caregivers, and now virtual events are booming too. Big names like Benzinga are moving their investor summits online and focused events like Everything Edibles are providing community and education to edibles enthusiasts and businesses. The industry has always pivoted rapidly - in 2020, the pace of change has quickened even more. As we all grow more comfortable online, information will continue to become more accessible to those of us who experience socioeconomic barriers (financial, physical, schedule, etc) or who do not want to travel to conferences (COVID, flight disruptions, etc) or take long courses.

For those of us who have been in the industry for a while, it’s incredibly exciting to see the potential of the East Coast cannabis industry and watch as people begin to legally discover the potential of the cannabis plant, both personally and professionally.

Smacktography

Photography by Jhalil Wright (@the_smacktographer)

Photos by Brittainy Newman of The New York Times

Back to NORML

A Brief Look At The Man Behind Americas Foremost Cannabis Advocacy Group And Its 50-year Fight For Your Right To Party.

By Bobby Black

This year marks the golden anniversary of our nation’s longest-running cannabis legalization association: the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws—or, as it’s better known, NORML.

Comprising thousands of activists and hundreds of lawyers, NORML’s mission is to advocate for the rights of cannabis users by mounting legal initiatives, defending and testifying for the accused, starting petitions and boycotts, appealing to the media, and lobbying politicians. At the heart of this vast effort is a man who has devoted his life to the struggle of changing America’s unfair and outdated drug laws; one who has not only gained the respect and friendship of most of the counterculture’s greatest icons but ended up becoming one in his own right—earning him the nickname “Mr. Marijuana.” That man is NORML’s founder, former executive director, and current legal counsel, Keith Stroup.

Youth, and his testimony helped sway the panel and the president’s commission finally recommended that marijuana be decriminalized. Unfortunately, Nixon completely disregarded that advice.

Those early propaganda pictures were largely forgotten…buried in archives to collect dust for decades. That is until 1972, when Stroup’s lecture agent made him aware that the films had recently entered the public domain. Stroup procured a copy of Reefer Madness from the Library of Congress for $297, streamlined it down to 35 minutes and began showing it after his lectures.

“It was so overdone, I knew the students would love it,” Stroup chuckles. “And of course, they did!”

with a stamp designating it as part of the Playboy Enterprises VIP Private Edition. This was an item that had been auctioned off at fundraisers for NORML in the Playboy Mansion during the 1970s. In the organization’s early years, Playboy and its provocative publisher Hugh Hefner played a crucial role in getting NORML off the ground.

“They were our first funder—the first dollar that ever came in the door came from Playboy,” Stroup recalls. “During the first 10 years of our existence in the 1970s, they were by far our largest funder.”

An initial $5000 donation from Playboy quickly blossomed into a $100,000 a year bankroll, two free full-page ads in each issue of the magazine, and several fundraisers at the Playboy Mansions—leading to a lasting friendship between Stroup and Hef. Over the years, however, another magazine would eventually eclipse Playboy as NORML’s top supporter: High Times, founded by pot smuggler and radical activist Tom Forcade. Stroup met Forcade in 1972—two years before High Times began —during the Democratic National Convention in Miami, when Forcade sold him weed from his perch up in a eucalyptus tree in “The People’s Park” located a few blocks down from the Convention Center.

A southern Illinois farm boy turned Washington lawyer, Stroup started out working under consumer advocate Ralph Nader before forming NORML in 1970. One of the group’s first endeavors was to pressure Nixon’s National Commission on Marihuana and Drug Abuse to allow NORML activists to testify at their hearings. Stroup publicly challenged the old lies first put forth by the yellow journalism and exploitation films of the 1920s and 30s such as Marijuana—Assassin of

The screenings were a big hit—not only increasing ticket sales and educating the students about the absurdity of prohibitionism, but also giving them an opportunity to spark up once the lights went down. World of Cannabis has three items from this historic 1972 college tour in our museum collection: a promotional poster for the film with the NORML logo in the top corner, and two pages with various sized print ads for the screenings (all black and white). Also from that period, we have a limited-edition art print of NORML’s square “Liberate Marijuana” logo, numbered and signed by artist Fairchild Paris,

Throughout the mid seventies, Forcade made a number of large cash donations to NORML including an infamous satchel filled with $10,000 in small, worn bills that were left on the doorstep of their Washington D.C. offices. The cash was accompanied by a typed note claiming that the cash came from a group of weed growers and smugglers calling themselves “The Confederation,” but it was Tom. After Forcade’s suicide in 1978, Stroup was one of a select few

privileged to share a joint containing some of Tom’s ashes at a memorial party atop the old World Trade Center - the “highest” structure in the world.

On the same day Stroup met Forcade in Miami in 1972, he also met and blazed with the Yippie leaders Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin, as well as an up-and-coming journalist from Rolling Stone named Hunter S. Thompson. Stroup introduced himself and shared Thompson’s joint after he smelled weed smoke wafting up from under the bleachers inside the convention center. Like Hefner, Hunter became one of Stroup’s lifelong friends—serving on NORML’s board of directors until his death in 2005.

they skirmished over the administration’s policy of spraying Mexican pot fields with the poison herbicide Paraquat. Later, when Stroup was confronted by a journalist about Bourne’s cocaine use, he replied with a version of the classic political dodge, “I can neither confirm nor deny the accusation”—effectively dry snitching on the drug czar. The ensuing scandal led to both men having to step down from their powerful positions.

chapters across all 50 states and seven nations. And though marijuana is now legal for adult use in 11 states and for medical use in another 26, NORML’s fight is far from over.

Hunter and Hef weren’t the only cannabis icons Stroup counts among his BFFs though: legendary activist John Sinclair, cartoonist Gary Trudeau, the godfather of medical marijuana Dr. Lester Grinspoon, and country music star Willie Nelson are all old friends. Stroup was also close with then-President Jimmy Carter’s son Chip, which helped engender a surprisingly amiable and productive relationship with NORML while the Carter administration was in office. By 1978, NORML helped get marijuana decriminalized in 11 states and was inching towards nationwide decriminalization.

Stroup didn’t return to NORML for 15 years—until he finally rejoined the board of directors and resumed his position as executive director in 1994 (which, coincidentally, happens to be the same year that I started working at High Times). Over the years, Keith and I have gotten high together on many occasions—at the High Times offices and anniversary parties, at various Cannabis Cups, and each September at the Boston Freedom Rally. I remember one time in particular when he got a group of us VIPs (Very Important Potheads) thrown out of a Boston nightclub because he repeatedly kept lighting up despite their many polite warnings. But his most celebrated Beantown bust happened in 2007, when he and former High Times associate publisher Rick Cusick were pinched for smoking a joint together at the 18th annual Freedom Rally on Boston Common. (Rick, who is on our advisory board, was my guest on Episode 2 of our Cannthropology potcast.) Despite offers to drop the charges, the duo insisted on taking the case to trial to make a political point and push for jury nullification.

“We want marijuana smokers to be treated fairly in all aspects of our lives,” Stroup explains. “That means I don’t want to be charged with a DUID unless there was some evidence I was actually impaired while I was driving. In a lot of states, you have to fight to maintain custody of your children if a nosy neighbor smells marijuana and reports you to the child welfare agency. The assumption is that if you smoke marijuana you’re an unfit parent… well that’s absurd! And in most legal states, an employer is still allowed to fire you if you test positive for THC without any indication you came to work impaired. So we now have the luxury of working on some of these nuances of the legalization movement.”

I’m immensely honored to call this living legend a friend, and to welcome him as the newest member of our advisory board.

For more on Keith and NORML, listen to his interview in Episode 3 of our Cannthropology potcast at worldofcannabis.museum/podcast or wherever you get your podcasts. To join or donate to NORML visit norml.org.

Sadly, that all ended after a falling out occurred between Stroup and Carter’s drug policy adviser Peter Bourne. Originally the two were on great terms—so much so that the Drug Czar actually attended one of NORML’s notorious D.C. pot parties and snorted a few lines of cocaine with Keith and the High Times crew. But soon after,

Of course, the Freedom Rally is only one of countless cannabis events Stroup has spoken at: others include the historic Hash Bash in Ann Arbor and the Seattle Hempfest, where I passed him “the world’s largest joint” in 2008. We have a photograph in our collection of him speaking to the crowd at what we believe is the 30th Annual Hash Bash in 2001. We also have a piece of watercolor art of the word “NORML” with little pot trees and pandas on it (artist unknown) signed by Keith and his NORML’s former executive director Allen St. Pierre at NORML’s annual conference in Los Angeles back in 2007, Today, NORML boasts 135

Photos Modeled By Arian Walker

BLUNT WALKS WITH RAFAEL

As the summer came to a close I tried to milk the last of the good weather the city had to offer. Around this time most people are feeling the same way, especially with the cold winter, that is bound to lock us back into our homes, right around the corner. So New York was more lively than I’ve seen it in months, with restaurants doing curbside seating and COVID safe events and museums opening back up, the city feels back in its stride. With me being a mobile stoner, I had to take advantage of the shenanigans throughout the city, but on these couple of occasions I had a tour guide. Entering stage right, My Brother David Hernandez, Happy Munkey’s own COO and resident Fomo feed for all things lit in New York. David is a “multi”-Connoisseur of weed, food, and a few other things tucked in his hat, so when we link up for a night on the town we usually end up finding some pretty interesting places and we forget a couple too after smoking all night. Now when it comes to smoking here is where we’re different, he’s what we like to call a “Vegan” smoker because he only smokes papers, so he’s always ready to roll canon joints on a moments notice and if your lucky he’ll bust out the Puffco for some dabs of hash rosin. Usually I roll with a blunt or two, but as of late I’ve been rolling spliffs, which is weed rolled with tobacco (whether it’s fronto or cigarette it still counts).

Lately, David and I have been working down in the LES, recording the HappyMunkey podcast, and on occasion we’ll wrap a recording and explore the area. One time we walked from Essex to West 4th street smoking our respective jays and spliffs,

checking out graffiti and feeling the vibe of the city. David likes to walk around the neighborhood cause he’s prone to bump into someone he knows, he’s like Da Mayor, he just be knowing people. While we’re walking around we got hungry after smoking and we walk down West 3rd street, which has a bunch of restaurants. Then David chose Spicy Moon, which funny enough, was a vegan Szechuan place with the best and fastest service I’ve gotten in a while. They had these general Tso’s mushroom balls that tasted like beef and had a crazy glaze with sesame seeds. And again David being the finesse king, we got some DonDon noodles on the house, which changed the game on how I perceive vegan food, it had beyond meat that was so savory in a thickened broth that tasted phenomenal. After dinner we had to hit the waitstaff with some Happy Munkey merch for the bomb ass dining experience.

After the grub we turned the corner and we were met with a party blasting deep house music out of Washington Square Park. There were some dancing old heads surrounded by what looked to be College kids and skaters, It was insane to see so many people together having fun, it was a vibe. Then on the other side of the fountain was a live band performing Indy hits to a small crowd of people. And just a bit further around the bend were blankets laid out full of art for sale. Right beside it was an art installation of stories written by strangers, some light hearted and some heart wrenching, but all meaningful.

Once we got our bearings, we looked at each other and felt like we were missing something. Everyone was smoking and we weren’t, so we posted up on the edge of the fountain by the house music crowd, and I pulled out the only Vegan joint I rolled for the day. We watched the skaters kick and heelflip around the fountain and hyped up a couple of the eccentric characters that stumble upon the festivities. Usually you’ll see an oddly dressed dancer or a herd of drunk guys migrating across the park to the next party. After a while, we ashed the jay, but by then the NYPD started to quiet down the parties as the park was closing at 12am. So we exited the park through the beautifully lit Washington square Arch and hopped on some Citibikes for a scenic trip back uptown and to sleep off some of this high for the next adventure.

Photos by Owen Madigan

CREDITS

Editor In Chief: David Hernandez (@davehv)

Proofreaders: Yvelisse Viera, Tiffany Viera, Libby Mcgee, Danielle Chon-Briggs

Contributing Writers: David Hernandez (@DaveHV), Rafael Hernandez (@rafaelhphotos), Harry Shurek (@Mycannabisacct), Sebastian Carosi (@Chef_ Sebastian_Carosi), Sarah Agboola, Estefania Esteval (@sannacbdyoga), Salam Diri (@sannacbdyoga), Justin Johnson (@Budsfeed), Johnny Green, Jose Cuevas (@ Everybody_Loves_Rozay), Sarah Gersten, James Wyche (@Spiceisalwaysnice), Jamie Partida, Amber Wright, Bobby Black (https://www.worldofcannabis. museum/), Andrew Behringer, Amna Shamim, and STu Zakim

CannaScopes by @AstroGTarot

Contributing Artist: David Hernandez (@davehv), Rafael Hernandez (@rafaelhphotos), Brittainy Newman (@Bnewmanphoto / The New York Times), Milo Fynn (@milofynn), Orlando Mateo (@origino_), Owen Madigan (@ OwenMadigan), Rico Viera (@ricovbankz), Sebastian Carosi (@Chef_Sebastian_Carosi), Jordan Hiraldo (@jordanhiraldo), Jhalil Wright (@the_smacktographer), Noah Gonzalez, Arian Walker (@Walker_studio)

Cover By Joel Nadler (@JoelMnadlerphotography)